Source: PA
Strachan pays tribute to returning duo
Middlesbrough boss Gordon Strachan has hailed the bravery of Scott McDonald and Emanuel Pogatetz following their returns to action.
The Australia international and his Austrian counterpart both started Wednesday night's 2-1 Championship victory over Barnsley despite being nowhere near fit.
McDonald is still recovering from hernia surgery while Pogatetz has been battling a hamstring injury, but both asked to play against the Tykes.
Strachan said: "We had two players who by rights shouldn't have been on the pitch. Scott McDonald and Emanuel Pogatetz were nowhere near fit and they came in at different times and said they were fit.
"Scott had an operation three weeks ago and is only 50% fit, while Poggy walked into my office on the morning and said 'I know we are short of players so I would like to put myself forward to play'. He said 'the team needs a bit of help'.
"That makes a difference. What they have is heart."
